AN ASSESSMENT OF SAFETY PROTOCOLS AND INCIDENT REPORTING IN ACADEMIC LABORATORY SETTINGS
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Abstract
Academic laboratories carry significant safety risks necessitating stringent protocols and incident reporting. This mixed methods study evaluated safety protocols, compliance, barriers, and reporting practices in laboratories at a major Saudi university. Surveys were administered to 342 lab personnel and 26 safety managers, alongside 18 focus groups. Results showed moderate protocol compliance, with deficiencies in training, supervision, and incident reporting. Qualitative feedback emphasized insufficient safety education, time pressures hindering compliance, and poor transparency around reporting. Addressing training gaps, increasing monitoring, clarifying reporting processes, and fostering safety culture are recommended based on study findings to strengthen academic laboratory safety.
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